Bacon and Cabbage
Darnia Allen had this to say in her book “Irish Traditional Cooking” (pg.119) about Bacon and Cabbage:
“Without question Ireland’s national dish–less widely known abroad but much more widely eaten, particularly in rural Ireland, then the legendary Irish Stew.”
I can see it on your face. No, really. I know just what you are thinking. “That’s not bacon, Chrystal. That’s Canadian bacon.”
Yup.
And in her book Darnia also calls her recipe Bacon & Cabbage so I left it.
Something we must understand, when it comes to traditional Irish cooking, especially that of the old ways, they used every part of the pig they raised on their farms.
I’ve never had cabbage for breakfast so this was my first time. I only made a little bit in case I didn’t like it, but you could easily modify the recipe to make larger portions. When I saw this as I was flipping through Allen’s cookbook for March’s inspiration I knew this was going to make the list for the simple factors. It helped that I normally have all the ingredients on hand.
Traditional methods call for 4-5 pounds of Canadian back with a nice covering of fat.
Nope.
I don’t do anything with a covering of fat.
I used pre-sliced Canadian bacon from Kroger. I drained and rinsed 4 pieces. I chopped a quarter of the cabbage and sautéed it in the pan and then I added the bacon, cooking them together. Little no salt seasoning and pepper. When it was all done I cooked 1 egg to add. I then mashed it all together. This wasn’t part of the recipe. I just like to mash my egg yolk on my stuff. Nothing makes me happier than a nice and creamy egg yolk. It was actually pretty good. I always have cabbage on hand because it’s so cheap and I adore my vegetables, even if I am the only one who will eat cabbage any other way than in boiled dinner. To me, to have for lunch and now breakfast, or evenings when I am home dining alone, for $1 its worth it.
Something like this makes me happy because I get my vegetables and protein while staying low carb. Win!
Might not look very pretty, but it tasted super yummy!
Is there anything that you never had for breakfast, had it, and now love it? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Bacon and Cabbage
Ingredients
- 4 sliced Canadian bacon
- 1/4 head of cabbage chopped
- 1 TBSP butter
- no salt seasoning
- pepper
- optional one egg
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped cabbage, no salt seasoning and pepper.
- Sautee until cabbage becomes tender.
- Place the four slices of Canadian bacon in the pan with the cabbage.
- Cook until the bacon is done.
- Option - cook an egg to your liking and pair it with the cabbage and bacon.
Hi Chrystal! I’m hopping over from Let’s Get Real today. At first I was thinking cabbage for breakfast? Gross! Then, I got to thinking…………..one of my favorite breakfasts is an omelet loaded with lots of veggies. What makes mushrooms, onions and peppers any different than cabbage. It really is only what you are used to that makes the difference. This dish really sounds like a great combination. My Korean family member eats kimchi for breakfast and that’s spicy cabbage. Perhaps, it’s just us Americans who have ruled out cabbage for breakfast. I look forward to trying it soon.
I thought it was weird at first – until that egg dripped on there! I think the secret is to saute the cabbage so it takes on a nice flavor. I bet it would be better in a tiny bit of bacon grease. Kimchi is awesome, by the way!
I have only ever had cabbage with a boiled dinner, and it was ok. Just ok. But honestly, if you add bacon to anything, I will eat it.
That looks delicious! I give major bonus points for being delicious AND healthy.
This looks really tasty. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks!
Sounds delicious! YUM! I love me some ham!
This looks really delicious. I actually love cooking with cabbage. You can make so many great recipes with it. I’ll have to try out your recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This reminds me of my mom’s good ol cooking. She loved cabbage and this is something she would for sure make. I think my kids and hubby would love this too!
this is a recipe I will definitely use on St patricks day. I never tried to make bacon and cabbage but your post gives me the courage and inspiration
I’ve never thought of putting bacon and cabbage together, but it looks like a delicious combo. I’ll have to try it out sometime.
Light – yummy and healthy all at the same time – this is perfect for me!
Canadian bacon is so good, this looks like a great combination. Thanks for the recipe!
I never thought to eat cabbage for breakfast. We tend to cook our cabbage with bacon anyway, but the regular bacon. I’ll have to try this for breakfast. Thanks.
bacon and cabbage sound really nice together, I would love to have this for breakfast one morning!
Even though I’m Irish I don’t think I’ve ever had bacon and cabbage. It’s also known as bubble and squeek. Love the Irish style plate!
I have made something similar to this before and it was delicious. I will have to try this recipe next time.
Okay, I think this looks pretty delicious though that may be the detox talking. lol. I’m with you… I’m not working with anything with a layer of fat… especially in the morning!
Sounds like my kind of breakfast!! I hate how heavy Hash browns set in my stomach so this would be a good substitution
I think it looks wonderful! Bacon and cabbage are two of my favorite foods. When I was growing up my mother wold use a little bacon grease in the water when she stew-fried her cabbage. It was amazing!
My mother did that too! She added a little bacon grease to a few things.
I enjoy eating cabbage even though my family members are not so keen on it. Your dish looks hearty and I bet it’s tasty too.
My family isn’t a big fan either so I understand.
This recipe would make my day complete, This reminds me of my mother who love to cook Bacon and cabbage. Will save this recipe. Thank you
Interesting recipe! I don’t eat meat, but this sounds like something my husband would love. 🙂
I would never think of putting these two together honestly. However, I would be tempted to try it at least.